‘Heartwarming’ family magic show touring North East…

‘Heartwarming’ family magic show touring North East theatres this month

A theatre show full of heartwarming magic is set to be the perfect day out for young families in the North East this autumn.

Meggie Magicia is touring theatres in the region from the end of this month following a sell-out run at Alphabetti Theatre last year, as well as bringing its magic to three North East primary schools. Promising to be full of magic tricks, music and surprises, the fun-packed family show takes inspiration from life on our beautiful coastline.

Aimed at five to eight-year-olds, the play follows Meggie, who has just moved to the seaside to live with her gran while her dad is working away. Desperate to fit in, Meggie sets about practising a spectacular magic trick for the annual Lifeboat Festival talent show with the aid of her toy penguin.

Meggie Magicia is penned by Wendy Errington, a former teacher from the North East coast who only ventured into the world of playwriting at the age of 58. While this is Wendy’s seventh play, it is the first under her theatre company Pen Gwyn Productions as well as being her debut family show.

“The North East theatre scene has been very welcoming and supportive of me,” Wendy says. “The cast and team are all from the North East - I am happy about that.”

The children's play is inspired by the writer's own kids and life on the North East coast (Matt Jamie)

The warm heart of the play comes from the fact that it is inspired by Wendy’s own family. “Meggie Magicia is named after my daughter Megan, and the magic is because my son did magic shows when he was little,” she explains.

Wendy’s son also crewed for the RNLI as an adult, inspiring the play’s Lifeboat Festival. And as for a certain cuddly co-star, Wendy adds: “The penguin is because the children’s writing groups I teach love penguins - well, who doesn’t?!”

What is Wendy most excited for when it comes to the show? “To see and hear children laughing and have them be in awe of the magic tricks. And for children in three schools to see it for free,” she says.

“I remember acting troupes coming into school when I was young, and I loved it,” she adds. “I’m also happy that we have one BSL interpreted show at Gala Durham.”

In terms of what audiences can expect from the show, Wendy teases: “A catchy song, magic tricks, pretty lights, a fun set and a heartwarming story. With a toy penguin. And a scooter! With no haze, strobe or loud noises. A joyful, relaxed show.”

Wendy hopes that the show will bring joy and magic into children’s lives, particularly after the recent tough years - and it has received high praise so far, with audiences hailing it as “charming”, “brilliant” and “lovely”. The story will even be available as a picture book, sold in foyers on the tour and online with proceeds going to the Newcastle-based charity Children North East.

Here are all of the locations, dates and times for Meggie Magicia’s North East tour:

Gosforth Civic Theatre - Tuesday 25 October, 10:30am & 1:30pm
Gala Durham - Wednesday 26 October, 11am & BSL Interpreted Performance 2pm
Alnwick Playhouse - Thursday 27 October, 1pm & 4pm and Friday 28 October, 10:30am & 1pm
The Customs House, South Shields - Sunday 30 October, 2pm
Queen’s Hall, Hexham - Saturday 5 November, 2pm
Saltburn Community Theatre - Sunday 6 November, 2pm

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